Category Archives: safety

Daimler Employee Arrested, Detained Under Controversial Alabama Immigration Law

Posted on 22 November 2011 by Ken Zino

The controversial Alabama immigration law requires the proper papers be carried by foreigners, including employees of firms investing in the state. Daimler, of course, is one of the largest employers in Alabama, with billions invested thus far and recently announced millions more will be added to increase production. Continue reading →

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Nissan Recalls Power Windows on 370Z and Infiniti G37

Posted on 21 November 2011 by Ken Zino

A computer programming error is responsible for a Nissan recall of 2011 and 2012 model 370Z sports cars and Infiniti G37 coupes. The computer program for the window controller of automatic electric windows in incorrectly calibrated so that the window may not “auto reverse” its travel if something is caught in the upward motion. Continue reading →

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NHTSA Upgrades Probe of Saturn Automatic Transmissions

Posted on 17 November 2011 by Ken Zino

When NHTSA began the safety defect probe last May only 2007 model year Saturn Aura sedans were implicated. Now the investigation has been expanded to 2008 models as well, covering more than 88,000 Saturn models. In a regulatory filing this week NHTSA said that at least seven accidents have been reported. Continue reading →

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New NHTSA Safety Ratings Are Incomplete, Potentially Misleading, Since Many New Vehicles Remain Untested

Posted on 16 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Many of the vehicles sold in the U.S. have not been tested since the ratings were revised last year. That evidently won’t stop carefully written press releases though. What’s needed here is a level playing field, one that won’t be slanted by automotive marketers until all cars are tested so the federal government safety program isn’t used to pick winners by p.r departments selectively presenting incomplete data. Continue reading →

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California Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Illegally Storing Toxic and Explosive Hazardous Wastes in His Backyard

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Wyman was charged in June 2009, after firefighters responded to a report of a fire and explosions at Wyman’s residence. Because of the ammunition that was being “cooked off” in the fire, firefighters had to wear bullet proof vests. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Volt Fire After Crash Prompts NHTSA Investigation

Posted on 11 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Lithium battery safety in a plug-in hybrid, such as the Chevrolet Volt, or pure electric automobile, such as the Nissan Leaf, is based on a complex series of factors involving not only the battery design, but where it is placed in the vehicle; its discharge and recharge rates; cooling; as well as the software that governs the whole system, including failure modes that when detected disable the battery. Continue reading →

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Toyota Recall Active on 420,000 Lexus and Toyota V6 Models

Posted on 9 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Sales today announced that it will conduct a safety recall involving approximately 283,200 Toyota and 137,000 Lexus vehicles to replace the crankshaft pulley on the V6 engine. No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles or these Toyota models with 4 cylinder engines are involved. Continue reading →

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EPA Ordered to Check State Plans Cutting Haze Pollutants

Posted on 9 November 2011 by Ken Zino

EPA initially issued a rule in 1999 requiring states to submit regional haze plans. These plans were due in December 2007. National Parks Conservation Association and other environmental groups sued the agency in August 2011 to take action on these plans. Today’s consent decree resolves the litigation. Continue reading →

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GM Airbag Recall Active for All 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 Models

Posted on 8 November 2011 by Ken Zino

GM is recalling all model year 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles because the front occupant can be harmed in crash. The GM airbag recall is prompted by head injury criteria (hic) measurements that far exceed the limits imposed by U.S. regulations. More than 38,000 vehicles are involved in the U.S. Continue reading →

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Rolls Royce Recall Active for Engine Fires on Ghost Models

Posted on 7 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Rolls-Royce is recalling 2010 model year Ghost luxury cars equipped with turbocharged engines, because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.

At least two cases of engine compartment fires have been reported, Rolls said in a required National Highway Traffic Safety Administration filing about the safety defect. More than one hundred cases of the failure of the German-made Pierburg pump have been reported globally. Continue reading →

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PBGC Sues Bendix for Pension Debt from Plant Closing

Posted on 28 October 2011 by Ken Zino

The action against German-owned Bendix is the first time PBGC has had to go to court to compel a company to cover pension obligations from a plant closing. Continue reading →

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Aircraft Laser Strikes Growing so FAA Launches Website

Posted on 27 October 2011 by Ken Zino

The FAA says that portable laser pointing devices are less expensive, more powerful, and more readily available than ever. People seem unable to resist the very dangerous temptation to shine them at aircraft. It is mute on the possibility of domestic terrorism occurring. Continue reading →

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GM Claims Self Driving Vehicles Ready by 2020

Posted on 18 October 2011 by Ken Zino

Cars or trucks that can partially drive themselves will be available by the middle of the decade, with more sophisticated self driving vehicles coming by 2020, according to General Motors Vice President of Global Research and Development Alan Taub. Advances … Continue reading →

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Milestones: 45 Years of the Department of Transportation

Posted on 17 October 2011 by Ken Zino

Over the weekend the U.S. Department of Transportation celebrated its 45 anniversary since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the law that created it by combining 31 agencies and their bureaus into DOT. “In a large measure, America’s history is a … Continue reading →

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Pelican Oil Refinery Guilty of Clean Air Act Crimes in Louisiana

Posted on 13 October 2011 by Ken Zino

If the court sentences according to the terms in today’s plea agreement, Pelican will pay $12 million in criminal penalties, including $2 million in community service payments that will go toward various environmental projects in Louisiana, including air pollution monitoring. This would mark the largest ever criminal fine in Louisiana for violations of the Clean Air Act. Continue reading →

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